England manager Gareth Southgate does not expect any possible transfer of Tottenham striker Harry Kane to happen during the European Championship.
Kane is reported to have told Spurs he wants to leave this summer and was keen for his future to be sorted before the tournament begins in a couple of weeks.
That always looked unlikely, not least because Tottenham will not let their star man, who is under contract for another three years, go without a fight, but also because of the short timeframe.
The timing of the leak from Kane’s camp over his desire to leave his boyhood club was surprising given it will almost certainly drag on over the summer and possibly provide a distraction to the Three Lions’ campaign.
Southgate has no question marks over Kane’s focus for the tournament, but does not think any possible transfer will happen until it has finished.
The England boss said: “I don’t feel I need to talk to Harry Kane regarding focus or professionalism. He has one goal with us and that’s to win the European Championship.
“He knows how important that is at this moment in time. What’s happening at his club is a matter for him and Tottenham.
“It’s very unlikely that transfer deals will be done while we are away. It’s different when we meet up in September and I’m very realistic that you can’t stop phones ringing, but most deals will be done at the end of the tournament or in the first week before it starts.
Southgate also spoke about Eric Dier, who misses out on his squad.
“He’s a man who I have much respect for,” said Southgate.
“He’s been a key player in some of our biggest moments and unfortunately I don’t think his season has been long enough to be in the squad. That’s a difficult call, I know how much he brings to the whole group.”
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